After conducting a penetration test and receiving a port scan result, what should Ben do next?

The next logical step after receiving a port scan result is to identify interesting ports for further scanning. This approach allows Ben to prioritize his actions and focus on the most relevant services that may present potential vulnerabilities. Not all open ports are equally important; therefore, it is critical to analyze which ports are active and what services are running on them. This targeted examination will help guide subsequent testing efforts, such as vulnerability scanning or exploitation attempts, on the services that pose the highest risk.

By identifying these interesting ports, Ben can maximize the effectiveness of the penetration test, ensuring that he allocates resources to the most critical areas. This process ultimately informs the overall assessment of vulnerabilities present in the network. Recognizing that this step is part of a systematic approach ensures that the penetration testing efforts are thorough and focused, leading to well-informed findings and recommendations later on.